House to pursue oversight functions to lower food, power costs; increase accountability of govt officials, use of public funds

THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez will continue to exercise its oversight functions to address the causes of soaring food and electricity costs and ensure accountability in the use of public funds, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. said Sunday.

“Patuloy nating palalakasin ang kapangyarihan ng oversight ng Kamara para tugisin ang mga iregularidad na gawain na nagpapahirap sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi natin hahayaang magpatuloy ang mga maling practice na nagdudulot ng mataas na presyo ng pagkain at kuryente,” Gonzales said as Congress resumes its session this Monday following Christmas break.

The Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Super Committee, is actively investigating agricultural smuggling, hoarding,and price manipulation, which have been identified as key factors driving food inflation.

“We are uncovering the mechanisms that allow cartels to thrive, and this House is determined to dismantle these networks of greed,” Gonzales said.

The House Committees on Ways and Means and Legislative Franchises have been scrutinizing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to ensure it meets its obligations, pays the proper taxes and refrains from passing undue charges to consumers.

The Quad Comm, meanwhile, has been tackling critical issues, including illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), their links to money laundering, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration.

“This probe is not just about accountability: It is about upholding human rights and protecting our national interests,” Gonzales stated.

Another key investigation led by the Blue Ribbon Committee has zeroed in on the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

He also called attention to the alarming proliferation of vloggers and internet trolls maligning innocent people through fake news.

“Hindi dapat gamitin ang social media para sa paninira at disinformation laban sa mga nagsusulong ng katotohanan at accountability,” he said.

On the legislative front, Gonzales lauded the House’s achievements under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership.

“With 166 laws enacted, including 27 out of 28 LEDAC priority measures and 61 out of 64 priority measures under the CLA for the 19th Congress, the House has proven its ability to deliver results that directly benefit Filipinos,” Gonzales said.

Pending measures are also geared toward strengthening the economy and public welfare. Among these is House Bill 9729, which aims to enhance MSME productivity through shared-use equipment and resources.

“Ang mga maliliit na negosyo ang backbone ng ating ekonomiya. Kailangan nila ng suporta upang maging globally competitive,” he noted.

Another key proposal seeks to provide incentives for barangay micro-businesses, encouraging them to register formally and gain access to government support. Gonzales called this an important step in boosting grassroots entrepreneurship.

In health, an amendment to the Universal Health Care Act is in the works to improve benefit packages and adjust premium contribution schemes.

The House is also deliberating on a National Flood Control Plan to address recurring flooding in disaster-prone areas. Gonzales stressed the urgency of this measure, saying, “We need a comprehensive approach to mitigate flooding and help communities recover more quickly.”

Education remains a top priority, with several pending bills seeking to improve access and quality. These include measures creating a Private Basic Education Voucher Program, establishing a Bureau of Private Education, and granting free assessment fees for Senior High School students in technical-vocational tracks.

As the 19th Congress enters its final stretch, Gonzales reaffirmed the House’s commitment to serving the Filipino people.

“Oversight and legislation are two sides of the same coin. Both are essential in ensuring that our people live better lives,” he stated.

“Under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership, the House will continue to uphold accountability, pass impactful laws and deliver results for the nation,” Gonzales expressed.